Betty Grable, born Elizabeth Ruth Grable, grew up in St. Louis where she attended Clark's Dancing School and Mary Institute. At the age of 13, she starred in her first Hollywood role as a chorus girl in the film Happy Days.

By the end of the 1940s, Grable was the highest-paid female star in Hollywood. Her films including Moon Over Miami, Sweet Rosie O'Grady, Diamond Horseshoe, The Dolly Sisters, and Mother Wore Tights made her popular at home as well. In 1943, Grable posed for her famous pinup photo, which made her the top pin-up girl for GIs fighting in World War II. She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and one on the St. Louis Walk of Fame.